CABINET 

1. Introduction to Cabinet

The cabinet in refrigeration and air conditioning systems refers to the outer structure that houses essential components like the evaporator, condenser, compressor, expansion device, and insulation materials. It provides thermal insulation, mechanical support, and protection for the internal components.

2. Components of a Cabinet & Their Functions

(A) Outer Body

  • Made of powder-coated steel, stainless steel, or plastic.
  • Provides structural strength and protects internal components.

(B) Insulation Material

  • Prevents heat exchange between the interior and exterior.
  • Common materials: Polyurethane Foam (PUF), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), Glass Wool.

(C) Doors & Gaskets

  • Doors: Single or double, with proper sealing to prevent air leakage.
  • Gaskets: Rubber or magnetic seals to ensure an airtight fit.

(D) Storage Racks & Shelves

  • Adjustable shelves made of plastic, glass, or metal.
  • Helps organize stored items in refrigerators, bottle coolers, and freezers.

(E) Ventilation System

  • Maintains proper airflow inside the unit.
  • Includes air vents and circulation fans in some models.

(F) Drain System

  • Collects and removes defrost water or condensation.
  • Includes drain pipes and trays to prevent water buildup.

3. Working Principle of a Cabinet in Refrigeration Systems

  • The cabinet is thermally insulated to maintain the low temperature inside.
  • Refrigerant absorbs heat from the cabinet through the evaporator.
  • The compressor pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant.
  • The condenser releases heat outside the cabinet.
  • The expansion device reduces refrigerant pressure before entering the evaporator.
  • This cycle maintains the desired temperature inside the cabinet.

4. Circuit Diagram of a Refrigerator Cabinet

A basic circuit of a refrigerator includes:

🔵 Power Supply → ⚙️ Thermostat → 🌀 Compressor → 🔄 Condenser Coil → 💧 Expansion Valve → ❄️ Evaporator Coil → 🔁 Back to Compressor

Additional components:
✔ Defrost Heater (in frost-free models)
✔ Fan Motor (in forced-air cooling)
✔ Light Bulb & Switch

5. Capacity & Types of Cabinets

(A) Based on Capacity (Volume in Liters)

  1. Small Capacity (50L – 150L) → Mini-refrigerators, personal coolers.
  2. Medium Capacity (150L – 350L) → Household refrigerators.
  3. Large Capacity (350L – 600L) → Commercial refrigerators, freezers.
  4. Industrial Capacity (600L & above) → Cold storage, deep freezers.

(B) Based on Type

  1. Single-Door Refrigerator – Small & compact for home use.
  2. Double-Door Refrigerator – Separate freezer & refrigerator sections.
  3. Side-by-Side Refrigerator – Large capacity with separate compartments.
  4. Chest Freezer – Horizontal storage for frozen food.
  5. Upright Freezer – Vertical design for easy access.
  6. Display Refrigerator – Glass-door cooling for commercial use.

6. Care & Maintenance of Cabinet

✅ Regular Cleaning:

  • Clean exterior with mild detergent & soft cloth.
  • Interior should be wiped with baking soda solution to remove odors.

✅ Defrosting:

  • Manual defrost models need periodic ice removal.
  • Frost-free models have an automatic defrost system.

✅ Door Seal Check:

  • Inspect gaskets for leaks or damage.
  • Replace worn-out rubber seals to prevent cold air loss.

✅ Ventilation Clearance:

  • Maintain gap around condenser coils for proper heat dissipation.

✅ Drainage System Cleaning:

  • Unclog drain holes to prevent water accumulation.

✅ Power Supply Protection:

  • Use stabilizers to protect against voltage fluctuations.

Conclusion

The cabinet in refrigeration and air conditioning systems plays a crucial role in temperature maintenance, energy efficiency, and user convenience. Proper care and maintenance help extend the lifespan of the appliance and improve its performance.

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